State level Gaan-Ngai festival underway

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 31

The state level celebration of the Zeliangrong’s post harvest festival Gaan-Ngai was kick-started today at Reangzeang (Ngarian) village, Churachandpur district with much enthusiasm.

Gaan-Ngai is celebrated widely for five days in winter season at Zelaingrong people residing in the three states of Manipur, Assam and Nagaland. It is celebrated with cultural gusto and religious favour.

The festival is celebrated when the granaries are full and the whole villagers are free from agricultural works. They thank the supreme lord Tingkao Raguang and worship Him for his kindness and celebrated with dance and music. Honoring the departed souls of community is the uniqueness of Gaan-Ngai.

The festival began by lighting up the festival torch with the sacred fire produced in traditional method, ho-hoining and offering of holy wine to God and deities. Besides cultural extravaganza sports are the inseparable part of Gaan-Ngai. The winners are offered with local brew with meat and celebrate the festival.

Speaking on the occasion, chairman of state hill areas committee, T. Thangzalam Haokip as chief guest said Gaan-Ngai has been celebrating since time immemorial by Zelaingrong people.

He thanked for the opportunity to participate in the ritual festival. With the inauguration of festival he gave warm wishes to Zelaingrong people to bring peace and harmony.

Vice-chairperson of state disaster management authority, Adim Pamei said the festival is celebrated by Tingkao Raguang Chapriyak (TRC) followers since time immemorial. The inner idea of the festival is to create scared fire to defend from the devil spirits. The festival was organised by union who follow Christianity but with the approach of TRC to chief minister, the festival is celebrated by TRC for the first time. Zelaingrong people are thankful to chief minister for giving the opportunity of celebration to the right owner, Adim added.

Gaan-Ngai festival is also celebrated all over the Zelaingrong people habited areas of the state with joy and fun.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 31

The state level celebration of the Zeliangrong’s post harvest festival Gaan-Ngai was kick-started today at Reangzeang (Ngarian) village, Churachandpur district with much enthusiasm.

Gaan-Ngai is celebrated widely for five days in winter season at Zelaingrong people residing in the three states of Manipur, Assam and Nagaland. It is celebrated with cultural gusto and religious favour.

The festival is celebrated when the granaries are full and the whole villagers are free from agricultural works. They thank the supreme lord Tingkao Raguang and worship Him for his kindness and celebrated with dance and music. Honoring the departed souls of community is the uniqueness of Gaan-Ngai.

The festival began by lighting up the festival torch with the sacred fire produced in traditional method, ho-hoining and offering of holy wine to God and deities. Besides cultural extravaganza sports are the inseparable part of Gaan-Ngai. The winners are offered with local brew with meat and celebrate the festival.

Speaking on the occasion, chairman of state hill areas committee, T. Thangzalam Haokip as chief guest said Gaan-Ngai has been celebrating since time immemorial by Zelaingrong people.

He thanked for the opportunity to participate in the ritual festival. With the inauguration of festival he gave warm wishes to Zelaingrong people to bring peace and harmony.

Vice-chairperson of state disaster management authority, Adim Pamei said the festival is celebrated by Tingkao Raguang Chapriyak (TRC) followers since time immemorial. The inner idea of the festival is to create scared fire to defend from the devil spirits. The festival was organised by union who follow Christianity but with the approach of TRC to chief minister, the festival is celebrated by TRC for the first time. Zelaingrong people are thankful to chief minister for giving the opportunity of celebration to the right owner, Adim added.

Gaan-Ngai festival is also celebrated all over the Zelaingrong people habited areas of the state with joy and fun.

Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/6234-state-level-gaan-ngai-festival-underway